Natural History Museum Vienna (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien)
Burgring 7, Vienna, Vienna, 1010
With a permanent collection of more than 30 million objects, the Natural History Museum Vienna (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien) is one of the most renowned museums of its kind. Wander the Wunderkammer-like halls, and marvel at treasures ranging from dinosaur skeletons to the 29,500-year-old Venus of Willendorf.
The Basics
Founded in 1889 and ranking among the city’s top attractions, the Natural History Museum is one of two blockbuster museums located on Maria Theresien Platz in central Vienna. (The Museum of Art History—or the Kunsthistorisches Museum—is the other.) Dozens of halls entice visitors with everything from precious stones to stuffed examples of extinct species. To save time, book a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
The museum is completely accessible to wheelchairs.
The museum has a lot of ground to cover, so wear comfortable footwear.
There are eateries and a gift shop on-site.
How to Get There
The museum is situated on Maria Theresien Platz on the Ringstrasse. Take metro line U3 or U2 to Volkstheater station or Museumsquartier station.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day except Tuesday. Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Highlights of the Natural History Museum Vienna
The museum was founded with the collections of Emperor Franz Stefan (husband of Empress Maria Theresa), Rudolf II, and Prince Eugene of Savoy. Today you’ll find a vast assemblage of minerals, rocks, fossils, meteors, and flora specimens; a series of rare stuffed animals; and a dinosaur hall. And don’t miss the world’s biggest collection of human skulls, the largest single topaz, and the oldest human sculpture (dating back to 32,000 BC).
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